Salpingectomy

AMBULATORY CARE:

A salpingectomy

is surgery to remove one or both of your fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. They are part of a woman's reproductive system. A salpingectomy may be done to treat an ectopic pregnancy, cancer, endometriosis, or an infection. It may also be done to prevent pregnancy or some types of cancer.

How to prepare for a salpingectomy:

Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. He will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery. You may need to stop taking blood thinners, aspirin, and NSAIDs several days before surgery. This may prevent bleeding before and after surgery.

You may need blood or urine tests before surgery. You may also need an x-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound before surgery. This will help your healthcare provider plan your surgery. You may be given an antibiotic through your IV to help prevent a bacterial infection. You may need to empty your bladder before surgery. This may help your healthcare provider see your reproductive organs more clearly, and prevent your bladder from being injured.

What will happen during a salpingectomy:

You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. Your healthcare provider may remove your fallopian tubes laparoscopically or through an open approach with one larger incision. If done laparoscopically, your healthcare provider will make one or more small incisions in your abdomen. Your healthcare provider will put a laparoscope and other tools into your abdomen through the incisions. A laparoscope is a long metal tube with a light and camera on the end. The abdomen will then be inflated with a gas (carbon dioxide). This lifts your abdomen away from your organs and gives your healthcare provider more space to work.

In both types of procedures, tools will be used to cut and remove one or both of your fallopian tubes. Your healthcare provider will close the incisions with medical glue, tape, or stitches, and cover them with a bandage. A vaginal pack or sanitary pad may be used to absorb the bleeding. A vaginal pack is a special gauze that is inserted into the vagina and removed before you go home or to a hospital room.

What will happen after a salpingectomy:

Healthcare providers will monitor you until you are awake. You may have bleeding and discharge from your vagina for several days. If your surgery was done laparoscopically, you may also feel pain in your shoulder or back. This is caused by the air that is put into your abdomen during laparoscopic surgery. You may be able to go home or you may need to spend the night in the hospital. Walk around as soon as possible after surgery to prevent blood clots.

Risks of a salpingectomy:

You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, intestines, or bladder may be damaged during surgery. You may get a blood clot in your arm or leg. This may become life-threatening. You may have a hard time getting pregnant if your remaining fallopian tube does not work correctly. If both tubes are removed, you may still be at risk for an ectopic pregnancy.

Call 911 for any of the following:

You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.

You cough up blood.

You have trouble breathing.

Seek care immediately if:

Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

Blood soaks through your bandage.

Your stitches come apart.

You soak through 1 sanitary pad in 1 hour.

You have trouble urinating or cannot urinate at all.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

You have a fever or chills.

Your wound is red, swollen, or draining pus.

You have pus or a foul-smelling odor coming from your vagina.

Your pain does not get better after you take your medicine.

You have nausea or are vomiting.

Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.

You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely.

NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.

Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him or her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Care for your wound as directed:

Ask your healthcare provider when your wound can get wet. Do not take a bath until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Take a shower only. Carefully wash around the wound with soap and water. Let the soap and water gently run over your incision. Do not scrub your incision. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. If you have strips of medical tape, let them fall off on their own.

Activity:

Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your normal activities. Do not douche, use tampons, or have sex until your healthcare provider says it is okay. These activities may cause infection. Do not exercise or lift anything heavy until your healthcare provider says it is okay. This may put too much stress on your incision.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.